Internal-combustion engine



Feb. 5, 1929.

H. T. HERR ET AL INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE "7 Sheets-Sheet Fil iMarch31, 1927 'g-smam ATTORNEY WITNESSES Feb. 5, 1929. 1,701,366

H. T, HERR ET AL INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed March 51, 1927 *7Sheets-Sheet 5 n Y INVENTORS WgNESSES. I 3 l-LTJIgrr,

v BY AiliKns v ATTORN EY Feb. 5 @9290 1,701,366

H. T. HERR ET AL INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed March 31, 1927 '7Sheets-Sheet 4 Ii. j

WITNESSES: INVENTORS IrLT- Herr, 8

(-5. BY A-T. BY

ATTORNEY H. T. HERR ET AL.

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed March 51, 1927 3 Sneeis-sheet 5 Q ,lVENTORS 3 when, 5;

BY A-T. Kasley ATTORNEY 5 WZ EBO 1,701,365

H. T. HERE ET AL,

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed March 31, 1927 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 w" WVATTORN EY Feb. 5, 1929. 330L366 H. T. HERR ET AL INTERNAL COMBUSTIONENGIEQE l INVENTORS V I BY AJZKusIeY (1%.M

g-' ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 5, 1929.

UNITED STATES 1,701,366 PATIENT OFFICE.

' HERBERT '1. HERB, OF HERION, AND ALEXANDER T. KASLEY, OF MOORE,PENNSYL- VANIA, JASSIGNOBS '10 WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC & MANUFACTURINGCOMPANY,

" A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

A ueauon'med name 31, 1927. Serial No. 179,814.

Our invention relates to multiple cylinder engines wherein the cylindersare arran ed in polygonal formation with crank shafts isposed at thevertices of the polygon and power transmission means is arranged toconnect the crank shafts for operation in unison, and it has for anobject to provide apparatus which shall be simple in design, strong, andof compact form.

More particularly our invention has for an object to provide a built-upengine frame which shall be strong and light, and capable of beingreadily manufactured and easily assembled. Y

A further object of our invention is to provide an engine frame forsupporting a polyhedral engine disposed thereabout as well as agenerator disposed at least in part in the frame and connected to theeng ne.

A further object of our invention is to provide an engine supportingframe consisting of vertically disposed cylinder supporting platesconnected by side plates, horizontal cylinders being supported by thesupporting plates and the sets of cylinder-supporting plates and sideplates forming built-up channel constructions for supporting thegenerator.

A further object of our invention is to provide improved scavengingapparatus for a two-cycle internal combustion engine.

The present invention constitutes an improvement upon the constructiondisclosed and claimed in the application of Henry F. Schmidt, Serial No.118,257, filed June 24, 1926, and assigned to the Westinghouse Electric& Manufacturing Company, in which there is disclosed a polyhedral formof opposed-piston, two-cycle typeof Diesel en ine,

a prismatic box structure defining the ody of the polyhedron andconstituting the supporting means for the cylinders. In thisapplication, a generator is shown extending throughout the boxstructure, scavenging air being supplied to the space between theexterior of the generator and the interior of the box and passing fromsuch space to the cylinders to scavenge the latter. Gearing is shown atthe bottom for connecting the corner crank shafts of the arrangementwith the rotor of a vertically disposed generator.

In accordance with the present invention, the polygon arrangement ofhorizontally disposed cylinders as well as corner crank shafts ispreserved; however, the frame construction for supporting the variousparts has been changed. In general, in accordance with our presentinvention, the horizontally disposed cylinders have their terminalportions carried by vertically disposed cylinder supporting cornerplates, the latter plates being arranged in pairs and each pair beingconnected to a side plate, thereby providing built-up channel elements.These channel elements are connected in polygonal formation, and theysupport, not only the engine means, but also the generator.

Qwing to the fact that the frame is made mainly of metallic platematerial, material having dependable and excellent physical propertiesmay be em'ployed,thereby making 1t possible to reduce the weight of theengine. Also the plates may be so formed that material may be disposedto the bestadvantage and assembled expeditiously. Owing to the fact thatthe crank shaft bearings are connected by tension plates and are alsoconnected to the side plates, a structure is provided which is resistiveto engine working forces, thereby relieving the cylinders of suchforces.

The foregoing, as well as other objects, are accomplished by ourinvention as will be apparent from the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawing, forming a part of thisapplication, in,

which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of our improved engine showing the rightside crank case removed;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the engine structure showing thegenerator in elevation;

Fig. 4 is a horizontal view partly in section and partly in elevation;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the gearing for connecting the crankshafts with the generator;

Figs. 6 to 15, inclusive, are detail views of the frame construction andparts thereof; Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic view showing a rinciple of thedesign.

eferring now to the drawings morein detail for a better understanding ofour invention, we show engine means, at 10, which is disposed about andwhich is carried by a supporting frame 11, the frame 11 also supportingthe generator 12 provided with a rotor shaft 13. scavenging blowerapparatus, at 14, supplies the engine with scavenging air, as will moreclearly hereinafter appear. The scavenging blower apparatus is disclosedand claimed in our application Serial. No. 271,302, filed April 19,1928, and assigned to the Vfestinghouse Electric 8: ManufacturingCompany. The generator is supplied with cooling air by blower apparatus,at 15, this being disblosed and claimed in our application Serial No.179,813, filed March 31, 1927. Air starting and fuel distributingapparatus are showngenerally, at 18. An exciter at 17, is disposed abovethe frame and it is carried by the generator.

' Referring first to the supporting frame 11 for the engine means, at10, the frame includes vertically disposed cylinder supporting or cornerplates 18 and 18, shown in detail in Figs. (5, i, 14 and 15, arranged aspar" allel pairs or sets connected adjacent to margins of verticallyextending side plates 19 and 19 shown in detail in Figs. 8, 9, 1 1 and15. Horizontal plates 21, 22 and 23, (Figs. 11, 12, 13 and 1 1-) areconnected to the cylinder supporting plates, these horizontal plateshaving approximately triangular portions 21, 22 and 23', respectively,which fit the angular spaces between adjoining cylinder supportingplates 18 or 18 of the sets. The upper plate 21 referably overlaps theupper edges of the-si e plates 19 and 19 as well as the upper edges ofthe corner plates 18. The plates 22 and 23 are preferably arranged sothat the triangular portions 22 and 23 thereof fit opposed faces of thecorner supporting plates or members 18 and 18 as just described.

The side plates 19 and 19 between the horizontal plates 21 and 22, areconnected by gusset plates 24 so as to provide a scavenge air supplychamber as hereinafter referred to.

Referringto Figs. 4 and 10, the corner plates or members 18 and 18 andthe gusset members 24; are preferably provided with flanges 25 and 25disposed in registering re- V lation on opposite sides and adjacent tothe vertical margins of the side rivets or bolts 25 passing throughthese parts to hold them together.

The top plate 21 is provided with an opening 26 to receive the portion27 of the generator 12, the enerator 12 being provided with feet 28,which rest on the top plate 21 and extend outwardly over the upper edgesplates 19 and19 of the vertical plates 19 and 19.

Between the upper plate 21 and the intermediate plate 22 (Figs. 3 and4), there is a separating wall 30 connected interiorly of i the walls ofthe box construction and having an upstanding circular flange 31 whichcooperates with a suitable joint portion 32 provided on the generator.In this way, the interior space of the box construction is divided intotwo chambers, one, a chamber, at 33, supplied with scavenging air fromthe blower at 1%, and the other, a chamber, at 34:, supplied withgenerating cooling air from the blower at 15 It will, therefore, beapparent that the frame construction 11 is built up of plate members.The side plates, 19 and 19, cooperate with corner plates, 18 or 18 toprovide, in eilect, channel-like supporting constructions or elements,the vertical corner plates, 18 or 18 serving as flanges and the sideplates, 19 or 19 serving as webs of such channel-like elements. Thechannel-like elements cooperate directly to support the generator 12 andthey are connected together and serve the further purpose of supportingthe engine means as hereinafter pointed out.

The engine means, at 10, surrounds the frame structure 11 and itincludes engine cylinders 36 having scavenging air inlet openings 37 andexhaust openings 38 (Fig. 1). Upposed pistons 39 and 40 are arranged ineach cylinder 36 and they cover and uncover the openings 37 and 38,respectively, The exhaust piston 40 leads the piston 39 in order tosecure opening of the exhaust openings first. The pistons are connectedby rods 41 to the vertical crank shafts 42 carried by corner bearings13* on the corner brackets or supports 43.

As the cylinders 36 are arranged in superposed polygonal groups with thecylinders or each group co-planar, it is necessary to provideinterfitting rod bearing portions for the crank portions of thecrankshafts. To this end, as shown in Figs. 1 and 1, one rod of abearing has a'bifurcated bearing portion 4:42, which receives thebearing portion 45 of the associated rod. r

The scavenging air inlet openings 37 of the cylinders are surrounded byhood or housing members 46 providing ripheral passages 47, whichcommunicate, y way of rings or sleeves 46 disposed in the openings 48 inthe vertical plates 19 and 19, with the scavenge air space .33. Exhausthoods 19 surround the exhaust openings 38 and provide ,peripheralpassages 50 communicating with the exhaust manifolds 51.

The inlet hoods or housings 16 serve the purposes of securing peripheraladmission of scavenging air and of localizing contamination of such air.When the scavenge air inlet openings are first opened, the interiorpressure in a cylinder is above the scavenge air pressure at heavyloads, with the result that there is a back flow of products ofcombustion for a very short period of time, that is, until a suficientamount of products of combustion is exhausted to reduce the cylinderpressure to a point below the scavenge air pressure. Any contaminationof scavenging air is, therefore, localized within the scavenge air inlethoods or liousingsetfi and the air in the main scavenge air supplychamber 33 remains relatively pure.

Upon reference to Fig. 4, it will be seen that, with four cylindersarrangedin square formation, the exhaust openings 38 are all arranged atdiagonally opposed corners and the inlet openings 37 are arrangedat theremaining two diagonally opposed corners. This is necessary on accountof the lead given to the exhaust pistons by their crank shafts.

lhe cylinders 36 are provided with air starting inlets 53. (Fig. 1),supplied by conduits 5 1, and with fuel injection inlet devices 55,supplied by conduits 56, the conduits 5 1 and 58 being supplied from anysuitable air starting and fuel distributing apparatus indicatedgenerally, at 18. Each of the fuel inlet devices preferably suppliesfuel to two branches 55, thereby securing better distribution of fuel.

The cylinders 36 are water cooled, inlet and outlet conduits 57 and 58(Fig. 1) being provided forthe circulation of cooling medium through thejacket spaces 59 (Fig. i) of the cylinders. The pistons 39 and 40 arepreferably made of a material having a high conductivity of heat, forexample, copper, pistons of this character being disclosed and claimedin the application of Alexander T. Kasley, Serial No. 162,793, filedJanuary 22, 1927, and assigned to the Westinghouse Electrio 8;Manufacturing Gompany.

Lubricant conduits 60 (Figs. 1 and 2) supply lubricant to the crankshaft bearings.

Referring now to the connections whereby the engine means, at 10, issupported by the frame 11. from Fig. i, it will be seen that the cornerplates or members 18 and 18 are provided with openings 62 adapted toreceive flanged ring members 63, the latter fitting about opposite endsof each cylinder. Therefore, the terminal portions of each cylinder arecarried or supported by the corner member or plates 18 and 18 and it ispossible to readily remove a cylinder merely by detaching one or both ofthe ring members 63, slipping the detached ring member or members alongthe cylinder and removing the cylinder.

Horizontal tension plates 34 are arranged above and below andalternately with respect to the cylinders 36 and they are provided withthreaded stems 65 passing through the corner plates 18 and 18 andthrough the adjacent portions 66 of the bearing brackets or supports 43(Fig. 4t). The tension plates are connected to the side plates 19 and 19by angles 67 and by anchor members 88, the latter being provided withbifurcated portions 69 which receive lateral projections 70 on thecylinders 38.

It will, therefore, be apparent that the tension members or plates 6 notonly strength en the frame construction 11, but they serve to resistengine working forces. In this connection, it will be seen, uponreference to Figs. 4 and 16, that intersecting planes, including thethreaded stem 65 define a polyhedron disposed outwardly of the axes ofthe crank shafts 42.

The crank shaft bearing supports or brackets 43 are connected to tongues71 on the side plates 19 and 19. tending to spread apart the bearings 43associated with opposite ends of a cylinder, are, therefore, resisted bythe tension members as well as by side-plates 19 or 19*. In other words,a bearing support may be regarded as a beam element having portionsthereof connected to the tension members as Well as to the side platesof the frame construction, the axis of the crank shafts being locatedbetween the polyhedra defined by intersecting planes 0; and b (Fig. 18)passing, respectively, through the connections of the bearing supportsor brackets 43 with the side plates 19 or 19 and through the stemsconnecting tension plates with the crank shaft hearing supports. Due tothis arrangement for resisting engine working forces, the enginecylinders are relieved of all forces except those due to' pressure ofthe working fluid. Since forces tending to move a cylinderlongitudinally are small, the anchoring elements 68, in operation, arenot subjected to substantial stresses. Also, this type of constructionpormits of a very simple mounting for a cylinder and one which permitsof the cylinder eX- panding and contracting axially without in any waybeing opposed by or tending to disturb associated parts.

Crank cases 74 (Figs. 1, 2, and l) are arranged at the vertical cornersof the structure and they are attached to flange portions 75 on'thecorner parts 18 and 18 and flange portions 76 on the triangular parts21.

Referring now to the means for transmitting power from the crank shafts12 to the rotor of the generator, each crank shaft is provided with agear 78, the gears 78 meshing with idlers 79 and the latter, in turn,meshing with a gear 80 on the rotor shaft 13. Adjacent to the gears 'i'8, 79 and 80, there are gears 81, 82 and 83 constituting an antibacklash and torsional vibration absorption train, as disclosed inapplication Serial No. 179,765,1liled March 31, 1927.

The gearing is disposed in the space between the horizontal plutes 22and 23 and it is enclosed by these members and the structure now to bedescribed. The corner plates 18 and 18 are cut away at the inner sides,as indicated at 88 in Figs. 6 and 7, to overlap the intermediate plate22 and to fit against lateral edges 89 and 90 of the cut out spaces 89"and 90. Three of the side plates 19 are disposed adjacent to the uppersurface of the plate 22, as shown in Figs. 3, 6 and 15, while the thirdplate 19 has a cut out portion 91 Forces applied to and (Fig. 9) andtongues 91*, which fit within lateral edges 90 of the cut out portion 90of the plate 22 for a purpose to be described. The bottom plate 23 isprovided with three out out spaces 93 with lateral edges 93 aligned withlateral edges 89 of the cut out spaces 89 of the plate 22 and with a cutout space 94 of less depth having lateral edges 94 aligned with thelateral edges 90. The pair of vertical corner plates 13 and 18 are cutaway, as indicated at 88, for the depth of the edges 89, 90 and 93 andthe plates 18" are further cut away as indicated at 96, for the edges94, whereby the plates 18 and 18 may fit such lateral edges and provideone pair of foot portions 97, (Fig. 7), narrower than the pairs of footportions 98, (Fig. 6). Plates 100 (Figs. 1 and 15), secured to theplates 22, 23, and 18 constitute lateral walls for the gear space atthree sides, the fourth side being closed by an angular plate memher 101(Fig. 3). The plates 22 and 23, con stitute upper and lower walls of thegear chamber, and are provided with opposed openings 102 and 102 foridler gear spindles, 103 and 103 for the rotor shaft 13, and witharcuate spaces 104 and 104 for the crank shafts (see Figs. 12 and 13).

Below the bottom plate 23, the legs 97' and 98 provided by the cornerplates 18 and 18 are arranged to constitute supports for the engine,angles 106 being connected thereto, as may be seen from Figs. 1 and 3.

Referring now to the apparatus, at 14, for supplying scavenging air tothe chamber 33, in Fig. 3, we show the upper end of the armature shaft13 passing through the bottom wall of the casing 107 forspeed-increasing gearing including an internal gear 108 to which theshaft 13 is connected. The internal gear meshes with idlers 109, thelatter, in turn, meshing with a central pinion or gear 110 carried bythe lower end of the blower rotor shaft 111. The shaft 111 extendsthrough the blower housing 112 and it is supported by a thrust bearing113. Partition members 114 and 115 are arranged in the housing 112 andthey cooperate with the casing construction 116 to provide a housing orradial diffuser for the runner 117 on the shaft 111. The partitionmembers provide entrance eyes 118 and 119 for the runner chamber, theeyes opening into communicating upper and lower passages 120 and 121 towhich air is admit-tcd from the inlet 122. The casing construction 116constitutes a radial diffuser for the runner and it is-provided withconvergent portions 123 (Fig. 2) opening into cenduits 124 leading toopenings 125 in the top horizontal plate 21. The blower is, therefore,operated from the generator armature to supply scavenging air to fourcorners of the scavenging air space 33.

R-eferring now to t e generator cooling apparatus, air is suppl ed tothe space 34 by apparatus, at 15, air passii g up through openings 12?in the lower end portion of the generator frame, then up between thefield and armature portions 128 and- 129 (Fig, 4-) and then out theopenings 131 and 132 in the upper portion of the generator frame. Thelower portion of the generator frame is provided with a hub or neckportion 133 (Fig. 3), which fits against the top surface of theintermediate plate 22; and, as the openings 102 in the plate are coveredbybearing caps 134, the chamber 34 is closed except for the openings 127and the inlet passage 135, the latter passage being supplied with air bya propeller 136 arranged in the convergent housing 137and driven by themotor 138.

Referring to the passage 135, as may be seen from Fig. 3, it ispreferably provided by vertical plates 18, by the" angular plate 101,connected to the lower surface of the intermediate plate 22 rearwardlyof the bottom or back edge of the cut out space 90 12) and connected tothe upper surface of the plate 23 rearwardly of the bottom or back edgeof the shallow cut out space 94, by a tension plate 64 by a plate 139secured to the lower side of the tension plate and by lateral fillerplates 139 secured to the tongues 91, to the plate 22, and to the upperhorizontal portion of the angle plate 101. The tension plate 64 differsfrom the remaining tension plates in that the ends thereof extend to beflush against sides of the corner platm 18*. The plate 139 is secured inplace with respect to the lower surface of the tension plate 64 and itextends downwardly and outwardly so that its outer edge is insubstantial vertical alignment with the back or bottom edge of theshallow cut out space 94. A cover plate 140 is secured to the plates139, 23 and 18 and it is provided with an opening for the propellerhousing 137.

As shown, the air starting and fuel distributing system, at 16, isoperated by a shaft 142 receiving power from the transmission gearingwhich connects the crank shafts with the generator rotor shaft 13.

The exciter, at 17, is provided with brackets 143 adapted to be securedto brackets 144 on the generator 12 and the excit'er is aligned with oneof the crank shafts so that the rotor thereof may be directly connectedto the aligned crank shaft.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that we have provided a powerplant installation wherein both the generator and the internalcombustion engine type of prime mover are supported by a frameconstruction, the frame construction being relatively light, readilymanufactured and assembled, resistant to forces encountered, and havingthe material thereof disposed advantageous ly. In general, the frame ismadeup of channel-like elements connected together by the crank shaftbearings and by gusset plates.

mosses erator frame is divided into upper and lower chambers for thereception of scavenging air and generator cooling air. In addition,therefore, to supporting the generator and the engine in the novel andpeculiarly coactive way pointed out, the frame provides, in connectionwith the generator, suitable chambers for both scavenge air andgenerator cooling air. Also the frame is formed to provide a gearhousing below the air chambers, and vertical corner elements extendbelow the gear housing and constitute supportings legs for theconstruction.

While we have shown our invention in but one form, it will be obvious tothose skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptibleof various changes and modifications without departing from the spiritthereof, and We desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall beposed by the prior art or as are specifically set forth in the appendedclaims.

What we claim is 1. In power plant apparatus, the combination of a frameconstruction including vertical plates and means supported by thevertical plates and providing a scavenge air supply chamber; andtwo-cycle internal combustion engine means disposed about and carried bythe frame construction and inscavenging air to the latter from the camber.

2. In power plant apparatus, the combination of a box constructionproviding a scavenge air supply chamber, means for support-ingthe boxconstruction, two-cycle internal combustion engine means includingcylinders carried by the supporting means, and means for supplyingscavenging air from the chamber to the cylinders.

3. In power plant apparatus, the combination of a box constructionproviding a scavenge air supply chamber, means for supporting the boxconstruction, two-cycle internal combustion engine means disposed aboutthe box construction and including cylinders carried by supportingmeans, and means scavenging air from the chamcylinders.

apparatus, the combinaction providing a scav- Y chamber, verticallydisposed supp late members for the box conction connected elirterna'llyto the latter throughout the height thereof, nal combustion engine meansthe box construction. and incarried by said plate mem- 1 ns iorsupplying scavengingair from chamber to the cylinders.

i3. prime mover installation, the combination of supporting frameincluding a Lily gusset plates, the upper.

ported by flange laced thereupon as are 1meluding cylinders and meansforsupplying.

plurality of channel elements, means for connecting thechannel elementsin polyhedral formation including crank shaft bearings connected to theweb portions of the channel elements, means cooperating with the channelelements to define a scavenge air supply chamber, two-cycle internalcombustion engine cylinders having the end portions thereof suportionsof the channel elements and provi ed with air inlet openings, means forsupplying air from said chamber to the inlet openings of the cylinders,crank shafts carried by the bearings, opposed pistons in the cylindersand connected to the cranlr shafts, and means for connecting the crankshafts for operation in unison.

6. In a prime mover installation, the combination of a supportin frameincluding a plurality of vertically disposed channel elements with. theflange portions thereof extending below the web portions, meanscooperating with the web portions to define a scavenge air supplychamber, crank shaft bearings alternately arranged with respect to thechannel elements and secured to the latter, horizontally disposedtwo-cycle internal combustion engine cylinders havin the end portionsthereof supported by the ange portions of the channel elements andprovided with air inlet openings, means for sup plying scavenging airfrom said chamber to the inlet openin s of the cylinders, verticallydisposed crank s afts carried by the bearings,

opposed pistons in the cylinders and connected to the crank shafts, andmeans carried by the frame and disposed below said chamher forconnecting the crank shafts for operation in unison. A

7. In a prime mover installation, the combination of a supporting'frameincluding a plurality of channel elements, means for connecting thechannel elements in polyhedral formation including crank shaft bearingsand gusset members both connected to the web portions of said elements,means cooperating with the web portions of the channel elements and withthe gusset members for defining a scavenging air supply chamber,twocycle internal combustion engine cylinders having the end portionsthereof supported by the flange portions of the channel elements andprovided with air inlet openin s, means for supplyin scavenging air fromsaid chamher to the inlet openings of the cylinders, crank shaftscarried by the bearings, opposed pistons in the cylinders connected tothe crank shafts, and means for connecting the crank shafts foroperation in unison.

8.. ln engine apparatus, the combination of a vertical polyhedral frameproviding a scaven e air supply chamber and having vertica supportingplates; two-cycle internal combustion engine means disposed about andcarried the frame and including cylinders having scavenge air inletopenings in communication with said chamber and vertical crank shaftscarriedby the corners of said frame; and power delivering meansincluding gearing for interconnecting the crank shafts; lower ends ofsaid vertical supporting plates being formed to ing feet for theapparatus.

9. In a prime mover inst: llation, the combination of a two-cycle engineand driven machine supporting frame including a pluralit of channelelements having the web portlons thereof connected in poliy onalformation by bearing supports an y gusset plates and end plates joinedto the web portions of the channel elements to define a scavenge airsupply chamber, and tension members disposed transversely of the channelelements, passing through the flange portions thereof, and beingconnected to the bearing supports; two-cycle internal combustion enginemeans includingcylinders disposed between adjacent tension members,havin the terminal portions thereof supporte by the flange portions ofsaid channel elements, and provided with scavenge air inlet openingscommunicating with said chamber, bearings provided on said bearingsupports, and crank shafts fitting the bearings; a driven member; andgearing for connecting all of said crank shafts to said driven member..

10. In a prime mover installation, the combination of an enginesupporting frame including a plurality of vertically channel elements,means including corner bearings and gusset platesfor connecting theprovide supportweb portions of the channel elements in,

polyhedral formation so that the flange poi.- tions of the channelelements extend outwardly, horizontally disposed plate memberscooperating with the web portions of said channel elements and with thegusset plates to define an air supply chamber, and tension membersextending transversely of the Web portions and connected to the latterand to horizontally opposed bearings; two-cycle internal combustionengine means disposed about the frame and including horizontallydisposed cylinders of the opposed-piston type having the terminalportions thereof slidably supported by the flange portions of saidchannel elements and provided with scavenge air inlet openingscommunicating with said chamber, means for anchoring the cylindersagainst bodily axial movement, crank shafts carried by said bearings,and opposed pistons in the cylinders and connected to the crank shafts;a driven member; and gearing for connecting each of the crank shafts tothe driven member.

11. In a prime mover, the combination of pairs of parallel andvertically disposed cylinder supporting plates, a side plate connectedto each pair of supporting plates, upper and lower horizontal platesjoined to menace parallel vertical corner plates disposed the sideplates and havin triangular portions en aging adjacent cy indersupportin plates 0 the pairs, means cooperating with the side plates andwith'the upper and lower plates to define a scavenge air supply chamber,a lowermost horizontal plate having triangular portions fitting betweenand connected to faces of adjacent cylinder supporting plates andcooperating with the lower-,

most of said chamber-forming plates to provide a space for gearlng,two-cycle lnternal combustion engine means surrounding said side platesand including cylinders of the I opposed-piston type supported by saidcylinder supporting plates andincluding vertical crank shafts disposedbetween adjoining,

cylinder supporting plates of the pairs and extending 1nto said gearspace, a driven member having a part extending into the 9 gear space,and gearing in said space for'connecting the crank shafts to the drivenmember part.

12. In a prime mover, the combination of a frame construction includinpairs of disposed in polygonal formation, upper and intermediatehorizontal plates and vertical side plates connected to said verticalcorner plates and forming a scavenge air supply chamber, a lowerhorizontal plate connected to the corner plates, corner bearingsdisposed between adjoining corner plates, and horizontal tension platesextending transversely of the side plates and connected to the latterand to the corner bearings, two-cycle internal combustion enginecylinders disposed horizontally and having the terminal portions thereofcarried by said corner plates and provided with scavenge air 1nlet portscommunicating w1th sa1d chamber, vertlcal crank shafts carried by saidcorner bearings, opposed pistons in the cylinders and connected to thecrank shafts, and gearing disposed between the intermediate and lowerhorizontal plates for interconnecting the crank shafts.

13. In an internal combustion engine of the two-cycle type, thecombination of a polyhedral box construction providing a scavenge airsupply chamber, outwardly extending and vertical plates disposedadjacent to the'vertical corners of said box construction, horizontalcylinders extending between and having the terminal portions thereofsupported by pairs of said plates extending outwardly from each verticalside face of said construction, said cylinders having scavenge airinlet'openings communicating with said chamber, crank shaft bearingscarried by the construction at each vertical corner thereof, verticalcrank shafts carried by the bearings, opposed pistons in the cylindersand connected to the-crank shafts, driven mechanism including gearingfor interconnecting all of said crank shafts. and means disposed belowthe gearing and cooperating with vertical (Lil corner plates below thegearing for supporting the engine.

M. In a prime mover, the combination of a box constriiction having sideand end walls providing a scavenge air supply chamber,

' cylinder supporting means provided on each side wall, bearings securedto the construction at the corners formed by the side walls and tensionmembers extending transversely of the side walls and connected to thebearings, two cycle internal combustion engine cylinders carried by thecylinder-supporting means, crank shafts carried by the bearings, andopposed pistons in the cylinders and connected to the crank shafts, thepoints of connection of the tension members with said bearings beingoutside of the polygon defined by intersecting cylinder axes.

15. in a prime mover, the combination of a frame includingmeansproviding an upper chamber for scavenging air and a lowercompartment for gearing and including vertical prime mover supportingplates; and twocycle internal combustion engine means carried by theframe and including horizontal cylinders disposed about the upperchamber and provided with scavenge air inlet openings communicating withthe chamber, vertical crank shafts, and pistons in the cylinders andconnected to the crank shafts; gearing in the lower compartment forconnecting the crank shafts; and supporting means for the prime moverand cooperating with said Vertical supporting plates below the gearingcompartment.

16. In a prime mover, the combination, with engine means, of an enginesupporting frame including a. box construction having side plates,cylinder support plates joined to exterior faces of the side plates,transverse plates joined to the side plates,-said cylinder supportplates and the transverse plates being providedwith crank case seatingfaces, and crank cases secured in place with respectto said faces.

17. In a prime mover, the combination of an engine supporting frameincluding a box construction having side plates, endplates joined to theside plates, and gusset plates formed independently of the side platesand having the lateral margins thereof connected to the latter; andengine means disposed about and carried by said frame.

18. In a prime mover, the combination of an engine supporting frameincluding a box construction having side plates joined by gusset platesand independent cylinder supporting plates connected to the side plates,and engine means disposed about the frame including cylinders carried bysaid. cylinder supporting plates.

19. In a prime mover, an engine supporting frame including a boxconstruction having side plates, gusset plates having flange portionsfitting interior faces of the side flange portions with said side platesarranged therebetween, common means for joining the side plates and saidflange portions of the gusset and cylinder supporting plates, and enginemeans disposed about the box construction and including cylinderscarried by the cylinder supporting plates.

20. In a prime mover, an engine supporting frame consisting of sideplates, gusset plates joining the side plates, and separate cylindersupporting brackets connected to each side plate adjacent to lateralmargins of the latter.

21. In anengine, a supporting frame consisting of side plates andcylinder supporting plates connected to each sideplate, at least part ofsaid cylinder supporting'plates forming supporting feet for the engine.

22. In a prime mover, an engine supporting frame construction includingvertical side plates, top and intermediate horizontal plates, cylindersupporting plates connected to the side plates, and an additionalhorizontal plate connected to the cylinder supporting plates andproviding, with said intermediate plate, a space for gearin 23. In aprime mover, an engine supporting frame including a-box construction0011- sisting of side and end plates and cylinder supporting platesconnected to the side plates,

at least part of the cylinder supporting plates being formed to provideframe'supporting feet.

24. In a prime mover, the combination of an engine supporting frameincluding side plates provided with laterally extending tongues andcrank shaft bearings connected to adjacent and registering tongues.

25. In a prime mover, the combination of an engine supporting frameincluding side plates provided with laterally extending tongues, meansfor joining the side plates inside of said tongues, and crank shaftbearings connected to adjacent and registering tongues.

26. In a prime mover, the combination of an engine supporting frameincluding side plates provided with laterally extending tongues, crankshaft hearings connected to adjacent tongues, and tension means forconnecting the bearings.

2'2. In a prime mover, the combination of polyhedral engine supportingframe includside plates provided witlr laterally extending tongues,means for joining the side plates inside of said tongues, crank shaftbearings connected to adjacent tongues, said bearings being arranged incoplanar sets, and tension means for joining the bearings of each set.

28. In a prime mover, the combir. .tion of plates provided Wit an enginesupporting rame including side tongues, bearings connected to adjacenttongues, sald bearings-being arranged in coplanar sets and tensionmembers secured to the side plates and connecting, the bear-- ings ofeach set in closed series.

29. In a primemover, the combination of an engine supporting frameincluding side plates, cylinder supporting plates secured to the sideplates adjacent to lateral margins of the latter, and crank shaftbearings secured to the side plates and to the cylinder supportinplates.

30. n a prime mover, the combination of an engine supporting frameincluding side plates, cylinder supporting plates secured to the sideplates adjacent to lateral margins of the latter, bearings secured tothe side plates and to the c linder supporting plates,.and tension memers extending transversely of the side plates for connecting thebearings.

31. In a prime mover, the combination of an engine supporting frameincluding a box construction having side plates, cylinder supportingplates secured to the side plates adjacent to lateral margins of thelatter, corner bearings secured to the side plates and to the cylindersupporting plates, and tension plates extending transversely of andsecured to the side plates and connected to the corner bearin s.

%2. In a prime mover, the combination of an engine supporting frameincluding a box construction having side plates, :1- pair of parallelcylinder supporting plates secured to each side plate adjacent tolateral margins of the'latter and provided with aligned cylinderopenings, and corner bearings secured to the side plates and disposedbeyond and between adjacent cylinder openings in a cylinder supportplate.

In a prime mover, an engine supporting frame embodying pairs of opposedvertical cylinder supporting plates arranged in polyhedral formation andhorizontal plates connected to the cylinder supporting plates and havingangular portions fitting adjacent surfaces of adjoining cylindersupporting lates. p 34. In a prime mover installation, an enginesupportin frame including a plurality of sets of vertically disposedcylinder supporting members, the sets being arranged in polyhedralformation, and horizontal plates for joining the cylinder supportingplates of each set and having angular portions for connecting adjacentvertical plates of the sets.

35. In a prime mover, an engine frame including vertically disposedcylinder supporting plates connected by side plates to form sets andhorizontal plates having angular corner portions secured to adjacentcylinder supporting plates of the sets.

86. a prime mover, the combination of laterally extending a polyhedralframe, bearings secured to the and connected to the bearings, and enginemeans carried by the frame and including power-operated elementsconnected to crank shafts caried by said bearings, the axes of saidbearings and crank shafts being located between boundaries of polyhedraformed by intersecting planes passing through the connections of thebearings with the frame and with the tension members.

37. In a prime mover installation, the combination of an engine anddriven machine supporting frame including a plurality of verticallydisposed channel elements disposed in polyhedral formation; engine meanssurrounding the frame and includin horizontally disposed cylinderscarried %)y the channel elements, corner bearings alternating with thechannel elements and secured to the latter, vertically disposed crankshafts carried by the corner bearings, and tension members extendinghorizontally and transversely of the channel elements and joined to thecorner bearings; a driven machine hav ing feet supported by the channelelements; and gearing for connecting the crank shafts to the drivenmachine. V

38. In a prime mover, the combination of an engine supporting frameincluding a box construction provided with an outer end plate and sideplates and the outer endplate iaving an opening, adriven machine fittingthe opening and extending partly within the box construction, cylindersupporting plates secured to the side plates, engine means disposedabout the box construction and including cylinders carried by thecylinder supporting plates, and means for mechanically connecting theengine means with the driving element of the driven machine.

39. In a power plant installation, the combination of an enginesupporting frame including a box construction having side and end platesand cylinder supporting plates secured to the side plates adjacent tolateral margins of the latter, one of said end plates being providedwith a central opening; a driven machine fitting the opening andextending within the box construction; engine means surrounding the boxconstruction and including cylinders supported by the cylindersupporting plates, and crank shafts; and gearing for connecting thecrank shafts to the driving element of the driven machine.

40. In a power plant installation, the com bination of an engine and adriven machine supporting frame including a box construction having sideplates, upper and lower end plates connected to the side plates,vertically extending cylinder supporting plates secured to the sideplates adjacent to lateral margins of the latter, said upper end platebeing pro vided with a central opening, a driven machine fitting theopening and extending within the box construction, engine means disposedabout the boxconstruction and including horizontally disposed cylinderscarried by said cylinder supporting lates and crank shafts, andgearing'arrange below the'lower end plate of the box construction forconnecting the crank shafts-to the rotor of the generator.

41. In a power plant installation, the combin ation of an engine and adriven machine supporting frame including a box construction havingvertical side plates and upper and lower horizontal end plates, theupper end plate being provided with an opening, engine means. disposedabout and supported by the box construction, said engine means includinghorizontally disposed cylinders and vertical crank shafts extendingbelow the lower end plate, the crank shafts being arranged,respectively, at the vertical corners of the box construction, a drivenmachine fitting the opening in said upper plate and extending within thebox construction, a driving shaft extending from the driven machinedownwardly and through the lower end plate, and gearing for connectingthe lower ends of the crank shafts to the lower end of the drivingshaft.

l2. Ina power plant installation, the combination of an engine and adriven machine supporting frame including a box c0nstruction havingvertical side plates, vertically disposed cylinder supporting platessecured to the side plates adjacent to lateral margins of the latter,each side plate and its connected cylinder supporting plates forming abuilt-up supporting channel element; a driven machine supported by thechannel elements; engine means disposed about the box construct-ion andincluding horizontally disposed cylinders connected to the cylindersupporting plates and vertically disposed crank shafts; and means forconnecting the crank shafts to the rotor of the driven machine.

43. ln a power plant installation, the coinbina'lion of an engine, and adriven machine supporting frame including a box construction havingvertical side plates, vertically clis posed cylinder supporting platessecured to the side plates adjacent to lateral margins of the latter,each side plate and its connected cylinder supporting platesconstituting builtup supports, means for reinforcing said supports, adriven machine supported by said supports, engine means disposed aboutthe box construction and including cylinders having the ends thereofsupported by the cylinder support plates and including verticallydisposed crank shafts, and gearing for connecting the crank shafts tothe driving element of the driven machine.

44. In a power plant installation, the combi nation of an engine and adriven machine supporting frame including vertically disposed sidelates, vertically extending cylinder supporting plates secured to theSide plates and arranged normally with respect to the latter,bearingsconnected to adjacent edges of the side plates and havingportions resting against adjacent faces of the cylinder supportingplates, tension members for connecting horizontally adjacent bearings,the tension members passing through said cylinder supporting plates, adriven machine having supporting feet arranged each above the upper edgeof a side plate and between its connected cylinder supporting plates,engine means disposed about the frame and including horizontallydisposed cylinders whose terminal portions are supported by the cylindersupporting plates and including vertically disposed crank shafts carriedby said bearings, and gearing for connecting the crank shafts to thedriving element of the driven machine 45. In a power plant installation,the combination of an engine and a driven machine supporting frameconsisting of a plurality of built-up, channel-like constructionsdisposed in polyhedral formation. a driven machine supported by thechannel constructions, en gine means surrounding the frame and includingcylinders having end portions sup ported by the flange portions of saidchannel constructions and including crank shafts disposed in the angularspaces formed by adjoining-channel constructions, and means forconnecting the crank shafts to the driving element of the drivenmachine.

46. In a prime mover, the combination of a box structure, a drivenmachine extending partly within and partly without the box structure,engine means including cylinders carried by sides of said box structureand crank shafts supported at corners of said structure, and means formechanically connecting the crank shafts with the driving elcmcnt of thedriven machine.

4?. ln a prime mover, the combination of a box structure, a drivenmachine extending partly within and partlywithout the box structure,engine means disposed about the box structure and including cylinderscarried by the sides thereof and crank shafts disposed at the corners ofsuch structure, and means for mechanically connecting the crank shaftswith the driving element of the driven machine.

48. In a prime mover installation, the combination of a box structureproviding a scavenging air supply chamber; a driven machine extendingpartly within and partly without the box structure; two-cycle internalcombustion engine means disposed about the box structure and includingcylinders of the opposed-piston type carried by sides of said structureand provided with inlet openings communicating with said chamber, crankshafts supported at corners of the structure,

and pistons in the cylinders and connected to the crank shnfts; andmenns for mechanical- 1y connecting the crank shafts with the drivingelement of the driven machine.

49. In power plant apparatus, the combinzn tion of a box construction,supporting means for the box construction a driven machine carried bythe box construction and arranged partly Within and partly Without theletter and cooperating with the interior walls thereof to define a,scavenge an supply chamber, and two-cycle internal combustion engine'iiicans disposed; about the box construction and connected to thedriven machine, said engine means including cylinders carried by thesupporting means and means for supplying scavenging nit mom "onechamber'tothe cylindei's.

In testimony whereof, We have hereunto subscribel our names this 22ndday of March, 20'

HERBERT "IT. HERE. ALEXAN T. KASLEY.

